There’s something so magical and mysterious about Polaroid photos, and with film being expensive and hard to find these days, there’s an elusive quality about them as well. When I came across Polaroid photographer Fernanda Montoro‘s work, I was blown away by the simple beauty of each image. The colours, the lighting, the textures, the mood conveyed through each piece is breathtaking. I’ve been using Polaroid imagery in the Bicyclette branding as well as a source of inspiration, but these photos have made me want to start experimenting more and explore other ways to incorporate it. To be continued?
images via fernanda montoro
I’m placing orders, prepping for the next Fall photo shoot, and tidying/organizing the studio today. Boxes of new merchandise have been arriving weekly, and so the studio is starting to burst at the seams again. Time for a little seasonal flip.
Discovered today that my beloved camera (which I thought had died for good) only needed a new battery (which comes with a much lower price tag than a full replacement!), which means that I’m now back in action and can share my own photos again. Hooray! I realized that I haven’t shared many studio photos aside from a few sneak peeks here and there, so that’s my goal for today.
In the meantime, a little studio inspiration from Allister Ann … so many elements I love (and many that are similar to those in the Bicyclette studio) and the photos themselves are pieces of art.
images via allister ann
Love the simplicity of this look and the gorgeous minty colour. The simple layered accessories and the long length. I’m currently on a hunt for long skirts and dresses for the shop, as I think they make the perfect transitional piece.
via stockholm street style
Happy Monday!
I decided to take a couple days off from blogging over the weekend in order to catch up on sleep and restore my sanity after launching last week, and take some time for myself. That being said, I did add some more items to the shop, so make sure to wander on over. Regular programming will now resume.
Those who have been following the blog for awhile know of my obsession with trailers and my dream of setting up a Bicyclette pop-up shop in one and touring the country. I blogged about it first here (“Gypsy Queens and Trailer Dreams”), and then again when I shared and image of the Lune Vintage trailer. Any time I come across photo shoots set against trailer backdrops, like the one below, it tugs at my heart strings and makes me that much more determined. Oh, the possibilities …
photos via late afternoon
Free People just launched their Vintage Loves line, a collection of specially picked vintage pieces sold on their website. I’ve always been a fan of Free People, not just for the clothes but also their branding and overall image. The style is very bohemian (which I love), and this translates into their scrapbook-like graphics and layered styling, creating an incredibly cohesive brand experience.
I think the addition of a vintage line makes sense for them: a lot of their pieces are vintage-inspired, and so the integration is seamless. And there’s no doubt that the pieces they’ve selected are gorgeous, I’m just a little wary of the high-end prices.
It has, however, got me thinking that perhaps a vintage collection may be in Bicyclette‘s future … hmmm?
Love this little scrapbook-like collage. Will definitely use as inspiration ...
Always a pretty way to display clothing
How perfect is this, with the clothes-pinned roses? I've done something similar in the studio, pinning jewellery to vintage nightgowns
Another good idea. I've had this in my mind for awhile, a display against the chalkboard wall, perfect for displaying a new collection and styling
... and now I want an exposed brick wall in the studio
Product shots on the site from the lace collection. The old book pages ... !
photo cred: free people
I’m looking forward to Fall: the chill in the air, the clothes, the layering, the change, but I’m still enjoying every last morsel of summer and relishing sun-washed skin, bare legs and little dresses. It feels like I’ve missed a good portion of it in exchange for hours at the computer and in the studio, so I enjoy living vicariously through photo shoots that are able to capture the essence of summertime.
These photos are shot by Thirty9Steps, a photography team based out of Toronto (and I believe also from the Ryerson School of Fashion) and I’m loving their art direction and styling, and the overall aesthetic.
Tomorrow? An update on the site. Weekends are relatively useless right now, as I’m unable to make the calls I need to …
photo cred: thirty9steps
It’s been awhile since I’ve done a full inspiration post (you can’t force it, it has to find you), but yesterday as I was catching up on blog reading, I came across Circa Now, an Australian blog. So this is the third installment of my photo inspiration series, the first two can be found here and here. What caught my eye about these photos is the mysterious quality they evoke and the use of double exposures to create a layered effect. I love the subtlety of its use in these shots, how you almost have to look twice to actually see all the details and recognize that there are two images, not just one. And there’s something almost grungy and dirty about the colours in the photos that I’m really attracted to. It’s different.
I imagine you’ll be seeing more images from this blog in the future. It’s odd, but there’s something about the Australian aesthetic, and you’ll notice that a lot of my inspiration comes from there, whether it’s a clothing line, a photographer, a model …
photo cred: circa now
I have a slightly odd obsession with vintage nightgowns, and thus have managed to build a fairly impressive collection. There’s something about the pastel tones, layers of sheer fabric and an abundance of lace and other intricate detailing that I fall victim too so easily.
So when I found the below photo on Fashion Toast, I decided that it was a sign that I should share my obsession with the world and hang my pieces along the Bicyclette studio window. How perfect! Love the way they catch the light and the whimsical, nostalgic quality of the display. I believe this is from the Free People headquarters, which makes perfect sense. Have I mentioned how much I love Free People? Always in my inspiration folder.
I’ll post photos when I have a chance to actually execute this. For now, it was just a little side tracked thought as I continue posting product to the site. Don’t worry, I’m hard at work, I promise!
photo cred: fashion toast
I’ll be back this afternoon with some exciting store/site news (!), but for now, I wanted to leave you with a simple illustration by Garance Dore to start your day. Looking at pretty, inspiring images always seems to get me going in the right direction, no matter what the day holds. And today? I have a LOT to do.
I love the simplicity of Garance’s work, and the feminine and almost quirky attitude that her characters always seem to exude.
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